Magnetic Window Cleaning Units With Adjustable Coupling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Windows, especially those on high-rise buildings, are difficult to clean due to their external surface being harder to access and posing safety risks during cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A window cleaning apparatus utilizing magnetic forces to attach and move synchronized cleaning units on both surfaces of a window, with a magnetic force detection and control system to ensure stable attachment and efficient movement, allowing for safe and effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning methods are used for high-rise building windows, then cleaning can be performed, but safety risks increase and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into two separate cleaning units (first cleaning unit on inner surface, second cleaning unit on outer surface) that operate independently but are magnetically coupled. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific surface while maintaining coordinated operation, improving both safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical rope-based suspension systems with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The magnetic modules create a field-based connection between the two cleaning units, eliminating the need for complex mechanical safety systems and reducing safety risks while improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If magnetic force is increased to improve attachment stability, then cleaning units remain firmly attached, but movement control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidmovement control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic force is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The magnetic modules can vary their magnetic field strength to provide strong attachment when needed and reduced resistance during movement, allowing the system to adapt between stability and mobility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic force parameter is changed and controlled to different levels based on operational requirements. The system can adjust magnetic field strength to optimize between firm attachment for stability and reduced magnetic resistance for easier movement control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If magnetic modules are added to both cleaning units, then attachment reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic modules in the first and second cleaning units are designed to work together as an integrated magnetic coupling system. By merging the magnetic functions of both units, the patent achieves enhanced attachment reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate independent attachment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus enables safe and efficient cleaning of window surfaces by maintaining stable magnetic attachment and controlled movement, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing safety hazards.

Implementation Method 1

first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2446793B1Glass window cleaning device and a control method therefor
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO LTD
  • EP2446793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2446793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2446793B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a window cleaning apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The window cleaning apparatus including first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force to move together with each other includes a first magnetic module provided in the first cleaning unit, a second magnetic module provided in the second cleaning unit, a magnetic force detection part for detecting a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules, and a magnetic force control part for controlling the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules.